Publisher's Summary

Unraveling the madness behind L.A.’s most baffling and brutal homicides is what sleuthing psychologist Alex Delaware does best. And putting the good doctor through his thrilling paces is what mystery fiction’s #1 best-selling master of psychological suspense Jonathan Kellerman does with incomparable brilliance. Kellerman’s universally acclaimed novels blend the addictive rhythms of the classic police procedural with chilling glimpses into the darkest depths of the human condition. For the compelling proof, look no further than Victims - Kellerman at his razor-sharp, harrowing finest.

Not since Jack the Ripper terrorized the London slums has there been such a gruesome crime scene. By all accounts, acid-tongued Vita Berlin hadn’t a friend in the world, but whom did she cross so badly as to end up arranged in such a grotesque tableau? One look at her apartment–turned–charnel house prompts hard-bitten LAPD detective Milo Sturgis to summon his go-to expert in hunting homicidal maniacs, Alex Delaware. But despite his finely honed skills, even Alex is stymied when more slayings occur in the same ghastly fashion... yet with no apparent connection among the victims. And the only clue left behind - a blank page bearing a question mark - seems to be both a menacing taunt and a cry for help from a killer baffled by his own lethal urges.

Under pressure to end the bloody spree and prevent a citywide panic, Milo redoubles his efforts to discover a link between the disparate victims. Meanwhile, Alex navigates the secretive world of mental health treatment, from the sleek office of a Beverly Hills therapist to a shuttered mental institution where he once honed his craft - and where an unholy alliance between the mad and the monstrous may have been sealed in blood. As each jagged piece of the puzzle fits into place, an ever more horrific portrait emerges of a sinister mind at its most unimaginable - and an evil soul at its most unspeakable. “This one was different,” Alex observes at the start of the case. This one will haunt his waking life, and his darkest dreams, long after its end.

If this were an middle-aged person and someone described them as 'good and thin' it might be seen as a compliment. But not in this case. Long time fan of Kellerman and having read all his books, I feel this time he sort of went through the motions for us and attempted to stretch a thin plot into a novel.Maybe I've read too many mysteries as I had this one figured early. I just felt like he didn't have his heart in it.

John Rubinstein made this story with his narration. Milo and Delaware were off chasing another serial killer. ( I am so tired of serial killers--come on lets think of something new). Enjoyed the description of the Ventura area in the story. The information about the old mental hospital and the changes in care of the mentally was cleverly woven into the story. Kellerman keeps me coming back for a who done story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Victims to be better than the print version?

I like the audibles because I can listen at work. I don't necessarily prefer them over the written version.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the relationship between Alex and Milo. After reading all in the series I feel like I know them. This title shows a little more of the 'human' or emotional side of Alex. I feel like he's progressing in his personal life and it makes me want more.

Which scene was your favorite?

I always love the home scenes where they group is at Alex's house and they all let loose a little and seem more lovable.

Any additional comments?

This was a pretty typical Kellerman novel, maybe not his best but very satisfying. I highly recommend to all who like the Alex & Milo books. A more sophisticated read than many of the suspense stories you find out there.At first the voice of Milo seemed off to me but I grew to like it so hang in there....

I have read every book in this series and every new book that comes out is a cause for celebration in my house. This one did not fail my expectations at all! For those of you who are familiar with the series, it will bring back some memories from the first books. It's a true riddle, gruesome and twisted, with surprises left and right, for Alex and Milo. I found myself clenching my fists several times in suspense. The narration by John Rubinstein is as superb as always. This is definitely one of my favourites from Mr. kellerman.

YES SIREE BOB!!! Wonderfully complex story which grabs you and takes you on a terrific literary ride. No solving this one after a couple of chapters. Kellerman finally has his mojo back.

What did you like best about this story?

Storyline is wonderfully complex. The psychological chills and crime adventure thrills are so intensely and deliciously balanced that you simply can't wait to see how it all turns out. In addition, you get a more in depth and well-rounded description of the two main characters. In this mystery of mind and body, Alex Delaware and quirky Milo fit together like hand in glove.

(I'm a Kellerman virgin--so go easy on me Alex Delaware fans.) While I found Alex and his merry buddy Milo somewhat entertaining, having no background knowledge of the two (and very little character back story contained in this book), the duo were less than dynamic, and just couldn't carry the burden of mediocre writing, and a jumbled, flawed storyline. What started out engrossing (big emphasis on the gross) seemed to peter out; characters heavily focused on in the first part of the story were suddenly unimportant to the plot, while the pathology of the offender was under developed in the one, and ridiculous and unbelievable in the other. The narrator could get an A for reading--but his interpretation seemed off in places. Perhaps another Kellerman novel could entice me onto team Delaware...but after this one, you'd probably have to twist my arm pretty hard.

I honestly don't know if I'm just tired of him, or if he's tired of us. I've read nearly all of the AD stories, usually enjoyed them, but Victims seemed unfocused and predictable to me. Rich woman calls about kitty up a tree? Come on! I like these characters but would like them to "grow" a little. Robyn keeps cutting the same piece of Rosewood, Milo eats junk food....I didn't understand the apparent shame at the ending either. Why not gratitude? Guess I'll take a break for a while.

Although Kellerman has always been one of my favorite authors I have been disillusioned and disappointed with his last few offerings. Some of them such as True Detectives I just skipped all together. When Victims was released I decided to give it a try and I am glad I did. IMHO probably one of his best, if not the best. It is classic Kellerman in the same vein as my favorites like Bones, Evidence and The Murder Book.

While it was sometimes a bit predictable, Kellerman kept the suspense on the edge ending each chapter leaving you wanting more. I went through this book in just a few days because I just couldn't stop myself. I haven't done this with a Kellerman book in a long time.

Rubinstein brings Alex and Milo to life as usual and I can't imagine anyone else doing them justice. The older Alex Delaware novels before he took over the duties just weren't the same.

Welcome back Alex and Milo!! I hope Kellerman keeps up this level of writing.